Have Faith and Do Not Doubt: Appearances Do Not Bear Fruit

Between Palm Sunday and the Cross

An encouraging lesson was taught by Jesus to his followers, a teaching for them, us, to have a real life of faith.  The story unfolds when a fig tree was fruitless during the time it should have been bearing fruit; it was only bearing leaves to identify it as a fruit tree.  Jesus said to the tree, “May you never bear fruit again!” and the tree withered immediately to its Creator’s words.

An odd thing had occurred and the disciples were amazed and perplexed.  Then Jesus began to explain that what he had done to the fig tree could be done by Christ followers.  Jesus added that with faith His disciples can tell a mountain to “throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.”  The lesson was that we, like the tree having leaves that identified it as a tree that bears fruit, can dress up to appear as a faithful follower, but, just like the tree with nothing more than leaves we are nonetheless fruitless.  God wants his creation to bear fruit, not covering or label that gives no nourishment.  Only fruit gives nourishment.  It is through faith we give nourishment to all around us, not by our religious appearance, but by faith filled prayers.  Which is why Jesus then said, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22).

It is your day to bear fruit for this generation, believe and accomplish our Lord’s will in all you pray for.  Cleanse your temple, pray with unwavering faith, and God will use you to bear fruit.

Owen <><

Read: Matthew 21:18-22